NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Makes Honest Kyrie Irving Statement

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony spoke about Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.

Sep 28, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) answers questions during media day at the UCLA Health and Training Center in El Segundo, Calif. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented players in NBA history.

After an up-and-down six years with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, the future Hall of Famer has found a home with the Dallas Mavericks.

He is currently averaging 23.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 50.4% from the field and 46.8% from the three-point range in 24 games.

Dec 15, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Recently, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony spoke highly of Irving (h/t 7PM in Brooklyn).

Anthony: "The fact that you were able to persevere, stand strong, fall back, be patient, like have a will to lock into another level. We don't give athletes enough credit when it comes to being able to come back. We kick them when they're down... When they come back and do it in his fashion... He's over there in Asia selling sneakers, he's got a brand now... Kyrie is bridging gaps... He's playing well, they're winning, good culture, he found his home."

Anthony and Irving faced off 15 times over their legendary careers.

Irving went 8-7 in those matchups.

Feb 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots as New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defends during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Last season, Irving helped the Mavs reach the 2024 NBA Finals in his first full year with the team.

The former Duke star has reached the NBA Finals four times in 13 seasons (and won the 2016 title with the Cleveland Cavaliers).

His career averages are 23.6 points. 4.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 47.5% from the field and 39.6% from the three-point range in 753 games.